Odds & Ends
Not everything fits neatly into a box - or onto a tidy portfolio page. This is the junk drawer of my creative life: the in-between spaces where roles overlap and skill sets blur. Product development folds into international liaison work; those same diplomatic instincts come in handy on set and in staging environments - whether it's a photoshoot, a showroom, or a space meant to come alive on screen. What you will find here reveals another layer - one that speaks to how I navigation complexity, manage personalities, and keep creative goals on track, even when the path gets messy.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ~
While I wasn't the final decision maker in product construction, I played a key role in shaping the direction of several standout collections. My input often focused on improving functionality and refining fabric selections - bringing a practical, detail driven perspective to the design table. I pushed hard for the Pearl Quilted fabric, advocating for its potential when it was initially overlooked; it has since become one of PurseN's most successful collections, second only to the long-standing Timeless Quilted line. I also created the custom interlocking pattern used in the seasonal Greek Navy collection - a classic Greek key motif that took considerable precision and patience to make it repeat seamlessly.
LIAISON & COORDINATION ~
This role threads through nearly every aspect of my work - equal parts translator, problem solver, and steady point of contact. Whether coordinating with overseas manufacturers to transform a rough sketch into a production ready prototype, or working through rounds of revisions with pattern makers across language and cultural differences, clarity and adaptability were key.
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That same level of communication is vital externally as well. I served as the main point of contact for PurseN's features in Oprah's Favorite Things (2021 and 2024), as well as with Amazon and ABC's e-commerce segments for Good Morning America, The View, and others. These were high-stakes relationships with tight timelines, strict requirements, and no room for error.
In every case, the goal was the same - keep things moving, make sure nothing gets lost in translation, and deliver results under pressure. Liaison work often lives behind the scenes, but it's the glue that holds the moving parts together - transforming big ideas into finished products and polished presentations.
SHOWROOM STAGING ~
From drawing layouts to physically assembling displays, showroom staging would require me to shift quickly between designer, strategist, and boots on the ground installer. At times, I was tasked - without warning - with staging entire showroom spaces solo, handling everything from layout flow to product grouping and final execution. For out of state events, I developed schematic plans remotely, ensuring the visual logic of each display aligned with both the collection's identity and the customer journey. I also created signage and visual support materials that blended seamlessly with featured products, helping each showroom tell a cohesive story.
SET DESIGN ~
Whether in studio or on location, set design meant more than arranging a few props - it was about creating a cohesive visual environment that aligned with brand goals and production realities. I styled spaces for both video and photography, from bathrooms to living rooms, making sure every detail was in place and every prop served its purpose. I also acted as the quiet engine behind the scenes - keeping the shoot on track, adjusting in real time, and helping models and crew stay focused despite constant interruptions. One model summed it up best: "You are a very patient person."
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In some cases, I was also responsible for prop sourcing, creating mood boards, and translating the brand's visual identity into physical space - sometimes with little to no prep time. I reviewed and narrowed down model options ahead of shoots, helping ensure the right look and energy for the brand and setting. Flexibility was essential, especially when schedules ran tight or direction shifted mid-shoot. My goal was always the same: keep things visually consistent, efficient as possible, and grounded in story - so the final product looked intentional not improvised.
Videos shot by Brandon Peterson at BP40 Creative and William Bubba MacDonald at New Era Marketing Agency. Videos edited by William Bubba MacDonald.
OPRAH ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ~
For this Oprah Daily online feature - also highlighted on Amazon - I transformed our office into a polished camera-ready set for a virtual roundtable hosted by Gayle King and Adam Glassman. I handled everything from lighting to layout making sure our space projected professionalism and brand alignment. Behind the scenes, I was rigging together makeshift equipment and problem solving in real time - but on camera, it looked seamless.​
PATTERN DEISGN ~
I designed all of the face patterns for Lotta-Lite, a compact light with a 1.5 inch surface. Some designs were chosen for their visual impact at scale, while others - especially those incorporating text - were meticulously crafted to fit within the tight circular frame and avoid key functional elements.
